by Kathryn Tye

Window cleaner Paul Wood from Whitstable has been named Britain’s strongest man.

Mr Wood, 38, from Cornwallis Circle, beat 11 rivals to win the title during the competition, held on Sunday at the Krunch gym in North London.

Events included lifting atlas stones, the farmer’s walk, the leg press, and tyre flip.

It is a major achievement for Mr Wood, as earlier this year he also won the title of UK’s strongest man, and is the first 105kg athlete to win both titles in the same year.

He said: “I’m still tired, but at the start of the year when I began in the 105kg category my goal was to win both titles, so I’m over the moon.”

Mr Wood has been competing in strong man competitions for the past six years, but only moved from heavyweight to the lighter class at the start of the year.

He still eats five meals a day, typically consisting of healthy foods such as chicken, rice and fruit, and trains every day, usually undertaking four weight sessions and three swimming sessions.

The 6’2” athlete said: “I took the last year off due to injury and lack of enthusiasm, then decided to diet from 19 and a half stone to 16 and a half stone so I could compete in a lighter class.”

Mr Wood is now hoping to continue his winning streak by taking part in competitions around Europe, and has also received an invitation to the World’s Strongest Man competition.

He said: “I am so delighted to have won both titles, and hope that I can continue to do well.”